This Cozy Town In West Virginia Is Full Of Historic Charm And Outdoor Adventure

Mention the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley running through Virginia and West Virginia and images of dancing colorful leaves, underrated outdoor playgrounds, and the roaring Shenandoah River come to mind. It's a place that captures the heart of American history buffs and the spirit of Appalachia. And in the northern corner of the beautiful valley, you'll find the small, quiet community of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia — nestled on a small point where the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac. Thomas Jefferson declared the natural beauty of the area to be "worth a voyage across the Atlantic." Today, it's a place as rich in history, culture, and outdoor adventure as it is in natural beauty — with miles of leisurely hiking trails, whitewater activities, mountain biking, and zipline courses to get your heart pumping.

Early in its history, Harpers Ferry was a critical hub of industry in the United States. It served as the site of the U.S. Arsenal and Armory before it became the setting of key events leading up to and during the Civil War — including John Brown's raid in 1859 and the Battle of Harpers Ferry in 1862. The war and a later flood devastated the city. Nonetheless, Harpers Ferry still stands as a time capsule of life in the mid-19th century. A Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, the scenic town is fully surrounded by Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Harpers Ferry is approximately 90 minutes from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore by car. However, it's quicker to take Amtrak or the MARC commuter rail to Harpers Ferry from Washington's Union Station — and you can even bring your bike (pack bungee cords if you're riding MARC). If you're flying in, Washington Dulles is the closest major airport. From there, you can use the nation's best public transportation system to reach Union Station.

Although Harpers Ferry was formerly a major transport hub, it's now a major recreation hub for every season in the lower Shenandoah Valley. Spring and fall are beautiful (and colorful) times of year to explore on foot or by bicycle. You'll find over 22 miles of trails fanning through the National Historical Park, perfect for a rewarding day hike, no matter whether you'd like to walk less than a mile or most of the day. 

Park at the Visitor Center and walk about 1.6 miles to Lower Town, where you might see waterfowl and wildlife along the way. The trail leads to the heart of Harpers Ferry, including the John Brown Museum, John Brown's Fort, and the Harper House. If you'd rather not walk back uphill, hop on the free bus afterward. Civil War buffs won't want to miss walking the interpretive Bolivar Heights to Schoolhouse Ridge Trail, where you'll likely see some of the most beautiful views of the region — or, for Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson, the key terrain needed to win the Battle of Harpers Ferry during the Civil War.

While the Midwest has plenty of rivers for a perfect day of tubing, West Virginia has three of the top 10 rivers for tubing, according to USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. If you are looking to cool off during the hot summers, don't miss an afternoon tubing. For a more low-key and relaxing ride, opt for the Shenandoah. Meanwhile, the Potomac is more geared toward adrenaline junkies, and even runs through three states. During the winter, West Virginia's majestic mountains have the longest snow tubing runs (900 feet) on the East Coast at River Riders Family Adventure Resort.

The well-preserved and walkable Lower Town area that makes up much of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park invites you back to the mid-1800s — complete with wooden barrels in front of small artisan shops displaying wares from the period. While John Brown's Fort and the John Brown Museum are two can't-miss attractions, don't leave Lower Town without stopping by the Black Voices: African American History Museum (currently under renovation), and the former campus of Storer College — the first school to educate freed slaves in West Virginia until its closure in 1955. Pack a snack and bring a bottle of water while you move between museums and historical sites, as there are no restaurants in Lower Town. 

Food isn't far, though! Head for High Street or Potomac Street, where you'll find ice cream parlors, coffee shops, and plenty of choices — from burgers and bar food to pizza, barbecue, and even vegan cuisine. Resembling the times, the historic town has several charming inns, estates, and guesthouses just minutes away from the action. Visit during the most magical time of year for the Olde Tyme Christmas celebrations, which recreate the spirit of the holiday as it was observed at the dawn of the Civil War in 1860.

Unlike some other national parks, Harpers Ferry charges an admission fee to all visitors aged 16 and older. If you're hopping off the train or hiking to Bolivar Heights, admission is $10 per person. Car permits cost $20 per vehicle and include all occupants. If you decide to drive, keep in mind that Lower Town and the trails can fill up quickly on weekends, so plan to walk or use the shuttle service.